Aluminum continues to be a popular metal in the electronics world. Aluminum computer casings, for example, are able to be infinitely recycled without losing any functional properties. This allows engineers to create new shapes, colors and styles to satisfy consumers’ constantly changing needs while helping persevere our precious natural resources and reduce environmental impacts in maximum capacity.
A recent story on CNET News, which was taken from a recent report conducted by the United Nations Environmental Program said valuable metals contained in electronics and green-technology products are being recycled at “discouragingly” low rates. This does not include aluminum. In fact the UNEP report said some materials, such as aluminum are in general being recycled at more than 50%, which has huge environmental benefits.
“In theory, metals can be used over and over again, minimizing the need to mine and process virgin materials and thus saving substantial amounts of energy and water while minimizing environmental degradation. Raising levels of recycling world-wide can therefore contribute to a transition to a low carbon, resource efficient Green Economy while assisting to generate ‘green jobs’,” said Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP’s Executive Director.
In fact ‘take back’ programs, which give manufacturers the physical responsibility for products or packaging at the end of their useful lives, are making recycling electronics easier than ever. Again, the most valuable products for take-back programs are those made from materials that are recyclable or reusable and those that contain significant energy value after use—like aluminum.
Read the full article by the Aluminum Association